Celebrating National Volunteers Week at Anam Cara House Geelong
This week at Anam Cara House Geelong, we are celebrating and acknowledging our incredible volunteers in recognition of National Volunteer Week. This annual celebration is the largest of its kind in Australia and provides an opportunity to highlight the important role of volunteers in our community.
Volunteers are the heart of what we do at Anam Cara House Geelong. Our volunteers come from all walks of life, including our volunteer board of directors, therapy dogs, and their carers. Each one takes on various roles with dedication and compassion, demonstrating that there truly is something for everyone in the realm of volunteering.
Our volunteer coordinator, Claire, aptly summarises their impact: “Our volunteers go above and beyond to provide beautiful support, companionship, and a familiar face to our guests.” This commitment ensures that our guests, living with life-limiting diagnoses, receive the highest quality of care and companionship.
Making a difference
The difference our volunteers make in the lives of our guests and their families is profound. Suzanne, one of our dedicated volunteers, shares, “I love that I can make a difference.” Her sentiment is echoed by many others who find immense satisfaction and purpose in their roles.
Cora, another devoted volunteer, reflects on her experience: “What I enjoy most about volunteering is seeing the guests smile and hearing a guest tell me they had a lovely day. It’s so rewarding knowing the partners get a bit of free time to do their own thing, whilst knowing their husband/wife/partner is in a safe environment. I also enjoy getting to know my fellow volunteers and sharing a giggle.”
For Lynne, being part of our guests’ journey is an honour: “It’s an absolute pleasure to be a part of our guests’ journey.” These heartfelt quotes underscore the deep connections and meaningful interactions that define the volunteer experience at Anam Cara House Geelong.
Celebrating our volunteers
In celebration of National Volunteer Week, we treated our volunteers to a BBQ lunch, Anam Cara House Geelong-branded cupcakes by Truffleduck, and gifts from Baie Wines and Community Care Chemist. This event was a small token of our immense gratitude for the tireless efforts and unwavering dedication of our volunteers.
Looking ahead
We look forward to onboarding our next intake of volunteers later in 2024. If you are interested in joining our team of compassionate and dedicated individuals, please keep an eye on our website and social media channels for more information and to register your interest.
National Volunteer Week is an invitation to everyone to experience the rewards of volunteering. Our volunteers are the heart of what we do. They provide not just support, but also companionship, smiles, and a sense of community for our guests. We are deeply grateful to each and every one of our volunteers who continue to make a difference in so many meaningful ways.
Thank you to all our volunteers for your incredible contributions. You truly are the heart of our community.
